$13,745
of $50,000 goal

Michelle battled a terrible brain tumor since 2006, with relentless determination and positive energy, through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, in late 2017 the cancer spread rapidly. She passed away quietly on 28 January, 2018. She would want you to live your life as she did, with strength and optimism.

We will continue her legacy. Your gift will carry her work into the future, and provide support to female professionals, aviators, engineers, and researchers.

Michelle was always known as a boundless giver. Her exploits as Lady Elwisia Mouche (and Molly) in the SCA, or her service as Ombudsman and USO volunteer at a major military command during Hurricane Katrina, or expert skill as Program Manager for the U. S. Coast Guard’s Institute for Leadership, are all examples of how she has given to others before thinking of herself. Her award-winning book West By Sea has sold several hundred copies and raised hundreds of dollars for charity. Her recent interviews and articles have inspired tens of thousands of people around the world.

If your life has been touched by Michelle in any way, please consider making a gift here and also sharing this page with your network.

With gratitude for a life well lived,

Michelle's close family sends

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It is with indescribable regret that I send this link to Michelle's obituary. She cast a huge shadow on the history of planet earth, and made life better for uncounted thousands. Please help honor her memory, forever.

Michelle is still sleeping peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital on Monday, January 22nd. Her battle will be over soon and she will be at peace.

Please follow the Facebook Group below to share memories and photos, and for memorial service details when she finally does pass on. Thank you for your love and support. - Will & Michelle's close family

Update: 18 Jan 2018 - quick note from Ed. “Michelle had a good day yesterday for her mom’s birthday. Today she’s been sleepy and unresponsive. They did a scan and see major swelling. They will keep her at the hospital and manage her symptoms for comfort. The future is of course unknown but she may pass at any time. Thank you for your care and concern. Michelle would be so grateful.”

"Michelle had a pretty good week with therapy and a few visits from friends and family. Her speech was always better in the morning and she appreciated a short siesta every afternoon.

"Wednesday she experienced a seizure incident. They increased her medication for seizures, the first time since 2006. The new higher dose made her a little more groggy. On Saturday morning we discovered a rash across her back, with more rash on Sunday. They think it might be a reaction to the higher dose of anti-seizure medication, and perhaps 'contact dermatitis' from detergent in the sheets or clothing. We are looking at getting her some sheets and keeping them clean using some of the GoFundMe donations, with our great thanks to everyone yet again.

"Sunday Jan 14 she has been very tired all day. It has been hard for her to sit up in the chair. She has not been able to eat much, because swallowing has become very difficult for all foods, not just liquids. Michelle basically hasn't been able to keep food down for about 24 hours. Her weakness could be due to the body's reaction to the rash symptoms, or just more symptoms from the tumor/cancer growth.

"I'm starting discussions with her team about how smart it will be to put her through another infusion of chemo on Tuesday, given how weak she has become. We are going to see how she does through the night, and again Monday, before deciding the right course for chemo on Tuesday.

"Michelle is not in any pain, never cries out, never complains. She takes what comes each and every day and makes the best of it. Her fighting spirit has been something the caregivers and I can rally behind - if Michelle can take it, then we can take it too.

"Brain cancer is especially difficult because there are so many unknowns and things happen very quickly at the final stages. We all continue to be grateful for the support and love you've shown us all, and especially Michelle, throughout her long battle with cancer."